The 48-year-old announced the end of his career after the British team secured the bronze medal in the men’s event at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro earlier this month by defeating Turkey 82-76 in overtime.

Munn first took up wheelchair basketball after attending a match following his accident, when as a 22-year-old his leg was run over by a train having been caught in the tracks.

He went on to make his debut for the British side at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, before going on to compete at a further six Games.

As a member of the British team, Munn secured a silver medal at Atlanta 1996, as well as bronze at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and now Rio 2016.

Munn also appeared at six World Championships and 12 European Championships, collecting two silver medals at the former and four golds at the latter.

Following Munn’s decision to retire, Bethel paid tribute to his influence and claimed the Paralympic bronze medal was a fitting end.

"Simon brought stability, leadership and strength to our men’s team," Bethel said.

"He is a great ambassador of the sport, he has dedicated time outside of his training and playing schedule to encourage new players to the sport.

"In July 2016, during his crucial Games training period, Simon visited a school with Tracey Crouch MP, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, to encourage a young man to try wheelchair basketball.

"Simon’s last game was by far the most emotional I have witnessed - to acknowledge that this was the last time we would have the privilege of watching this icon of wheelchair basketball take to an international stage was a poignant moment.

"The bronze medal around Simon’s neck as he returned to the UK seems a fitting end to his formidable career."

At Rio 2016, Munn was competing with a young team, five of whom were entering their first Paralympics, with a couple having not been born when he attended his first Games.

His experience, skill and wealth of knowledge was viewed as key to providing guidance to younger players at the tournament and Munn is aiming to continue to inspire and motivate people following his retirement from the international scene.

"I have dedicated my life to wheelchair basketball, my family have sacrificed their time with me so that I could represent my country,” Munn said.

"They are exceptionally proud of me and my achievements, but now I want to spend some with my young son and grand-daughter.

"I will continue playing part-time with my Italian club Porto Torres, but I would like to dedicate more time to engage with people to help them realise their potential.

"Rio was a fitting end to my career, the time felt right to retire and I wish the men’s team all the best for the future, they are a fantastic group of lads."